Toddington Standard Locomotive Limited has announced that the boiler for Standard 4 No. 76077 will be overhauled at Leaky Finders in Devon.

The boiler is currently at Toddington on the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway whilst the chassis will be restored at Locomotive Maintenance Services in Loughborough.

Leaky Finders has built a strong reputation for boiler work in the industry and has just completed the overhaul of 35028 Clan Line, which has recently returned to the main line.

We have gone through a stringent tendering process based on price, engineering skills, approach to the work and timescales as well as conducting appropriate due diligence.  Leaky Finders proved themselves more than capable to undertake this important work and I’m delighted that we have reached this conclusion. 

“Six contractors were asked to quote for the works, but unfortunately nearly half were unable to give us a realistic start or completion date, including Locomotive Maintenance Services.  This underlines the huge amount of overhaul work being undertaken in the UK as well as the shortage of skilled labour that seems to exist within the heritage sector.”

Andrew Meredith, TSLL’s engineering director

“I’m thrilled that we have been chosen for this work.  We visited Toddington to examine the boiler for ourselves and confirmed the programme of work identified in the excellent tender document.  Although it hasn’t been steamed since 1967, the boiler is in surprisingly good order, particularly given that it was overhauled at Eastleigh only three years before 76077 was withdrawn.  So I see this as a fairly straightforward boiler overhaul, that will include a new front tube place and front parallel boiler section, a decision I fully endorse as it will safe cost and effort in the future.

“I’m really looking forward to working with the 76077 team.  This will be a fine engine for the GWSR and I’m proud that our work will form such an important part of the locomotive’s overhaul.”

Rory Edwards, Director of Leaky Finders